When Conner Friel’s (Andy Samberg) new album sales fails to hit the heights of his debut album, he turns his attention to gimmicks on stage to produce results.
Add into the equation a new up-and-coming rap artist known Hunter (Chris Redd), a short lived engagement to his fiancée Ashley, and a fall out with his former teen boy band members, Owen and Lawrence, it could become messy.
We say: “Does the movie provide better results than Conner’s new album?”
HOWE: So it has been left to me to review Popstar. Never Stop Never Stopping due to Mr. Taylor being busy filming a documentary in Banff this week. So I will be playing the two roles this week, and I can tell you that Mr. Taylor’s result is a turn up for the books.
So Brian, first things first, what did you think of it?
TAYLOR: Well I thought it was one of the best movies I have seen so far this year, and one of the best documentaries I have seen. I just wish I could make them just like that. By the way, you do know it’s a mockumentary?
HOWE: Errr yes, I know that and I would have to agree with you in some aspects.
The film has its funny moments. It did make me laugh out loud a few times.
Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer (Owen and Lawrence) are the other band members of The Style Boyz, and they feed off Samberg very well and complement each other in their comedy roles.
Owen in the shadows while Conner is grabbing all the limelight and Lawrence living on a farm whittling wood made for some subtle laughs.
TAYLOR: Well I found it gut busting, to tell the truth.
The wolf scene with Seal at the proposal ceremony was one of the highlights of the movie. The other being when their manager, Harry (Tim Meadows), keeps reminiscing about his days in his former band, Tony Toni Tone.
HOWE: Popstar. Never Stop Never Stopping is a funny movie. The trailer doesn’t do it justice. Don’t just take our word for it, check it out. It might surprise you like it did us.
– Taylor gives it 4 lyrics out of 5.
– Howe gives it 3.5 rings out of 5.
Peter Howe and Brian Taylor are film reviewers based in Vernon, B.C.